Pairing with its famed Siebel Dinosaur Complex, a new exhibit moves into Museum of the Rockies this summer. Da Vinci the Exhibition opens May 29th and will be on display until early September.
Developed by Aurea Exhibitions and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., the exhibition is a hands-on examination of da Vinci’s life, research and art. Visitors will learn about da Vinci’s complex beginnings and lifetime achievements through his discoveries in art, engineering, flight, hydraulics, music, light and more. The exhibit features more than 60 fully built, life-size inventions, more than 15 fine art studies, and dozens of stunning displays.
Throughout the exhibition’s themed galleries, visitors will discover the breadth and scope of da Vinci’s incredibly advanced understanding of science, mathematics, nature, and the relationship between the three. The artist’s intricate designs and unique early concepts are spotlighted, including his design for the helicopter, tank, SCUBA, crane, clock, and submarine and his plan for a modern city. Additionally, various multimedia experiences and documentary presentations will provide supplementary information on da Vinci’s discoveries and creative process.
Each invention featured within Da Vinci the Exhibition was handcrafted utilizing a modern translation of da Vinci’s unique mirrored writing style in an ancient Florentine dialect. Trained artisans used these translations to construct full-scale models and bring the master’s two-dimensional plans to life.
In addition to da Vinci’s role as an inventor, the exhibition investigates a collection of da Vinci’s most renowned paintings, including some controversial works traditionally attributed to him but not yet authenticated. Guests will have the opportunity to thoroughly study the artistic mastery behind such works as “The Mona Lisa,” “The Last Supper,” “Portrait of a Young Man,” “Virgin of the Rocks,” “St. John the Baptist” and more.
Throughout his lifelong devotion to the sciences and fascination with nature, da Vinci also extensively explored the world of anatomy. Da Vinci the Exhibition‘s in-depth and enlightening explanations of his famous studies on subjects such as the golden ratio and “Vitruvian Man” are complemented by enlarged examples of the artist’s sketches and notes made during his controversial research on the human body.
MOR’s Living History Farm also opens for the summer season on May 29th, allowing visitors to experience what life was like in the Treasure State more than 100 years ago.
In 1989, the Tinsley House was relocated to Museum, bringing with it the history of Montana’s homesteading era. Skilled costumed interpreters will take you back in time as they cook over a wood-burning stove, demonstrate cooking skills and recipes from the 1890s, tend to the Heirloom Garden, and forge iron in the blacksmith’s shop. Take time this summer to enjoy the beautiful sights of the garden, the smells of home cooking, and the history of a time gone by that lives on today.
The Living History Farm is included with Museum admission. Hours are 11am–5pm. This year, register for a special course centered around cooking & crafting with the Tinsleys. Find additional information and registration details through the MOR website.
MOR is open from 9am–5pm daily. For more information about featured exhibits, membership details and to make an optional reservation, visit www.museumoftherockies.org. •